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 26 The editor touches up quite racily his correspondent from Shepherdstown, who did not confine his remarks to the effusion of Zarry Zyle, and also one Fra Diavolo. He publishes letters of commendation and encouragement from Pennsylvania (Judge Hopkinson), North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, Tennessee, western Virginia and District of Columbia.

The launching of the Messenger has of necessity been somewhat dwelt upon. A friendly correspondent wished that it had been christened "The Launch." Our gallant craft has been successfully cruising for over six anxious months and now she receives a very distinguished recruit. On page 333 of the seventh number, for March, appears Mr. E. A. Poe with his "Berenice a Tale," of which the editor said: "It will be read with interest, especially by the patrons of the Messenger in this city, of which Mr. P. is a native and where he resided until he reached manhood. Whilst we confess that we think there is too much German horror in his subject, there can be but one opinion as to the force and elegance of his style. He discovers a superior capacity and a highly cultivated taste in composition." The author says: "I have a tale to tell in its own essence rife with horror." Mr. Poe was not a native of Richmond.

Among the other known writers for this